Here’s A Quick Roundup Of TECNO Mobile Smartphones Released In 2021

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With these offerings, TECNO Mobile stays true to its commitment to bring innovation to global emerging markets, as the premium smartphone brand for all.

Premium smartphone brand, TECNO Mobile, released a number of high-performing, yet affordable smartphones in the Philippines in 2021, making advanced mobile phone technologies more accessible to consumers in the country. Each new release has enabled TECNO Mobile to stay true to its commitment to bring innovation to global emerging markets, as the premium smartphone brand for all.

As the year comes to a close, let’s look back at these stellar smartphones from TECNO Mobile that have empowered Filipinos to improve the way they learn and work, play games, indulge in entertainment, and capture memorable moments through photos and videos.

Spark 6 Air

TECNO Mobile kickstarted the year by introducing the new Spark 6 Air through a fun and engaging livestream event featuring top local celebrities. Spark 6 Air is the perfect smartphone for work, learning, and leisure, equipped with a large HD+ screen, an extra-long battery life, and superior image capture abilities.

POVA 2

The highly-anticipated POVA 2 was launched next, and the smartphone made a huge impact in the Philippine gaming scene. It was even named the Best Entry Level Smartphone at the Unbox Creator Network Gadget Awards. Dubbed the best smartphone to use for playing the popular MMORPG, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, POVA 2 delivers a smooth gaming experience like no other. This smartphone offers performance, power and portability, with its Helio G85 processor, 7000mAh battery, and 6.9” FHD+ display.

CAMON 17 Series

Filipino consumers were invited to ‘C the Best of You’ with the launch of the CAMON 17 Series, the smartphone with the clearest selfie camera, which was designed for photo enthusiasts, influencers, content creators, and anyone who desires to achieve beautiful self-portraits. The release of this smartphone series took place together with TECNO Mobile’s announcement of actor Chris Evans as its global ambassador. As part of the launch of CAMON 17 in the Philippines, TECNO Mobile also completed its first CSR activity in the country, recognizing and rewarding heroes of the pandemic for their unwavering service.

Spark 7 Pro

Spark 7 Pro, the perfect tool for making things happen, was the next TECNO Mobile smartphone to be released in 2021. Spark 7 is more than equipped for online learning as well as entertainment, with its huge 64GB+6GB or 12GB+4GB memory, giant 5000mAh battery, and powerful Helio G80 processor.

CAMON 18 Series

TECNO Mobile’s latest offering is the “Movie Master” CAMON 18 Series, the most advanced pro-camera phone to come out of TECNO Mobile’s CAMON line to date. Its CAMON 18 Premier variant features a Stabilized Gimbal Camera for a #SuperSteadyShot, making it perfect for filmmakers and video content creators. Video enthusiasts can also shoot using the CAMON 18P model, which is equipped with a 48MP clear and steady video camera, plus a 13MP 50mm pro portrait camera. CAMON 18 is another great choice for mobile videography and photography, with its 48MP multi-function triple camera.

Newest Smartphones: Spark 8P and POVA Neo

Watch out for the newest smartphones from TECNO Mobile - Spark 8P and POVA Neo.

Spark 8P is being called the “Ace for New Gen”, equipped with a 50MP Ultra Clear AI Triple Camera for capturing moments clearly and vividly, a 1080P FHD+ Dot Notch Screen, and a huge 5000mAh battery with power-saving optimization.

The extra-tough POVA Neo is perfect for gaming, with its large battery, big screen, and ET Engine optimization boost. It is also equipped with Game Space, which has a cool interface, and fast play features.

Stay updated on all the latest promos when you like and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook. Visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph to learn more about your favorite TECNO Mobile smartphones and gadgets.

Start the Year Strong and Enjoy Amazing Deals at the 1.1 New Year Sale, Shopee's First Sale of the Year

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Greet 2022 with a smile and grab all the best deals and biggest discounts during Shopee’s 1.1 New Year Sale

Shopee starts 2022 in a spectacular fashion with its first sale of the year, the 1.1 New Year Sale! At Shopee’s 1.1 New Year Sale, get a head start on your shopping as early as January 1 and enjoy a wide selection of products and exciting promos such as ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 11% off vouchers.

Enjoy themed days, new games, and Shopee’s latest TV commercial

Leading up to January 1, look forward to themed sales such as Fashion Sale on December 27, Electronics Sale on December 28, Home Sale on December 29, Payday Sale on December 30, and Countdown Sale on December 31.

When you’re not shopping, you can also play Shopee Throw–a fun new game perfect for the holidays where you can earn points and redeem prizes by throwing sparklers at a rotating turntable. Check out the brand-new Fortune Forecast as well and stand a chance to win a new Caffino Espresso Machine by simply discovering your fortune for 2022.

To brighten up your new year festivities, join international superstar Jackie Chan as he welcomes 2022 with his latest, must-see commercial, which you can watch here: https://shp.ee/xhc7e5r

Shop the best products of 2021

Get exclusive deals on the highest-rated and most sought-after products at Shopee’s Best of 2021 Awards. Check out a few of these amazing products below:

If you want to look your best this 2022, slip on these classy Peculiar Eyewear CLUBMASTER glasses. This accessory won’t just give you a sleek look for the new year with its fashionable frames, but also protect your eyes from blue light with UV400 and BlueLight blocking technology.

Ladies, claim 2022 as your year! Flaunt your confidence with Maybelline SuperStay Lipstick’s bold shades. Choose between striking red, orange, and pink shades that’ll certainly make you the center of attention at all your New Year festivities and enjoy a flawless, longwearing matte finish.

If you have “get fit” listed as one of your New Year’s resolutions, the Huawei Band 6 will help you follow through with your goal. This nifty smart band has 96 workout modes to keep you on your toes, sleep monitoring to help you get better rest, and heart rate monitoring to ensure you’re in top health.

This year, take the opportunity to go on new adventures. Whether you're planning to take on the urban jungle or the great outdoors, the MACCE Mountain Bike is a must-have companion. This bike comes in several colors and features a carbon steel 26-inch frame for a smooth ride and a 7-speed chain to get you to your destination in no time.

If you’ve had the same phone for the past couple of years and desperately need an upgrade, check out Oppo A15s. Experience power at the palm of your hands with its 4GB storage and 64GB memory and capture all your best memories this year with its AI triple rear camera.

Find all the irresistible deals in one place to start your year-round shopping with Shopee this 1.1 New Year Sale: https://shopee.ph/m/1-1-sale.

To enjoy more discounts on your purchases, use ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet where you can buy load, pay bills and scan to pay at thousands of partner merchants nationwide. This 1.1 New Year Sale, enjoy all-day free shipping with no minimum spend and discounts up to 11% off exclusively with ShopeePay.

This January 1, you can also get up to 50% cashback on your monthly bills from participating billers such as Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, Smart, Manila Water, and Converge. If you need to stock up on groceries or go on a much-needed food-trip, get big savings with ShopeePay ₱1 Deals. Redeem your discounts by paying with ShopeePay at partner merchants such as Potato Corner, Bonchon, Papa John’s, Wendy’s, Shawarma Shack, Dunkin Donuts, Moonleaf, and Go! Salads.

If you’re going on a getaway this New Year, you can also book hotels with ShopeePay. Get 30% cashback on all your hotel bookings, including EstacioUno Boracay, Sea Wind Resort Boracay, White House Beach Resort Boracay, Mithi Resort and Spa Bohol, and White Breeze Palawan.

Get a chance to win extra cash for your shopping sprees with ShopeePay as well. Send at least ₱1 to any ShopeePay user for a chance to win ₱100,000, or send money to a new ShopeePay user for a chance to win ₱50 each. Plus, you can also get up to ₱25 cashback on your InstaPay fee when you cash in with ShopeePay.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

‘My Delivery Gurl’, Cignal Play’s Drag-themed Series Debuts on New Year’s Day

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Cignal Play, the linear streaming platform and video-on-demand service of Cignal TV, is welcoming 2022 with pride as it premieres its first drag-themed drama comedy, My Delivery Gurl, on January 1.

Produced by Cignal Entertainment and Epic Media, under the direction of Carlo Enciso Catu, My Delivery Gurl follows the lives of a ragtag family of misfits forced to relocate from Manila to the countryside after an economic recession. Cignal Play’s newest series also depicts a spirited individual, leader, mother, and founder known as Bianca D., who nurtured a drag family out of youth members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Portrayed by talented theater actor Markki Stroem, Bianca D. ushers the group through a tough yet uproarious journey as they add color and glitz for a “pak na pak” delivery service. As she becomes the town’s most glamorous “delivery gurl,” she unexpectedly delivers hope to the lives of the people she encounters, too.

Starring alongside Markki Stroem are Victor Basa as Boss Sam and Rocky Salumbides as Jakoy, Bianca D’s love interests in the series, with the support of Madeleine Nicolas, Pipay Kipay, Iyah Mina, Lui Manansala, Sky Teotico, EJ Panganiban, Allison Piñeda, Brian Black, Andre Miguel, Carlos Dala, Liya Sarmiento, Kakki Teodoro, Juliana Parizcova Segovia, EJ Jallorina, Lady Gagita, and Maria Christina.

Find your Saturday nights at the intersection of fun, hope, and glamour with My Delivery Gurl, arriving this January 1, 2022 on Cignal Play, the home of Cignal Entertainment.

Register on www.cignalplay.com and download the app for free via App Store or Google Play. Upgrade to premium for only 75 from GCASH, Lazada, Shopee and more to watch #MyDeliveryGurl. For updates, follow Cignal Play on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Youtube.

Top 10 Items To Help You Fulfill Your New Year’s Resolutions

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Get ready for a new year, new you with these discounted items at Shopee’s 1.1 New Year Sale

Have you listed your new year’s resolutions yet? A fresh year brings chances for us to ditch old habits and replace them with better ones. If you’ve gotten all caught up with the holiday rush and haven’t had the time to map out your goals for next year, don’t worry. You’ve still got a few more days to plan before we officially welcome 2022! Get started with the doable goals below. We’ve also got discounted items to help you stick to your resolutions at Shopee’s first sale of the year, the 1.1 New Year Sale. Enjoy more discounts with promos such as ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 11% off vouchers.

Aiming for that 2022 glow-up? Focus on taking care of your health first with these Goli Nutrition Gummies. These gummies will help improve your skin and make sure your body stays in tip-top shape with nutrients such as antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin B9, and Vitamin B12. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day with Hydro Flask 32oz. Its unique double wall vacuum insulation protects your drink’s temperature for hours. Bring out your inner glow with The Ordinary Lactic Acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and removes blackheads to brighten the complexion. Don’t forget to take better care of your mental health by taking the time to relax as well.

If you keep putting off exercising, ease into it by going for less intense workouts. Try out yoga with this KeepFit Yoga Mat, a high-density foam material that comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors. If you want a more toned physique, try pilates with these 100% natural latex TRY Resistance Bands, which come in colors such as dark green, orange, gray, and blue. Tone your arms with a pair of Liveup Studio Dumbbells, which feature a bonehead shape to allow for the best comfort and grip. Lastly, Xiaomi Smart Weight Scale will help you keep track of your progress. Connect this smart scale to your Mi Fit app to keep tabs on your fitness journey.

They say you get to know yourself better when you try new things. This year, try out journaling to keep your thoughts organized and improve your productivity. Jot down ideas and goals and keep track of your to-do lists with a Plain Notebook. Meanwhile, this Transparent Sticky Note Set is perfect for journaling on the go. This set comes with weekly plans, memo pads, and stick-it notes. Then lend your notes a bit of color with a set of affordable Retro Gel Pens. Organize your notes by color, or freely express yourself with doodles and drawings.

Join the countdown to the 1.1 New Year Sale here: https://shopee.ph/m/1-1-countdown.

Find all the irresistible deals in one place and start your year-round shopping with Shopee this 1.1 New Year Sale. Discover massive price drops from your favorite brands as well: https://shopee.ph/m/1-1-sale.

To enjoy more discounts on your purchases, use ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet where you can buy load, pay bills and scan to pay at thousands of partner merchants nationwide. This 1.1 New Year Sale, enjoy all-day free shipping with no minimum spend and discounts up to 11% off exclusively with ShopeePay.

This January 1, you can also get up to 50% cashback on your monthly bills from participating billers such as Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, Smart, Manila Water, and Converge. If you need to stock up on groceries or go on a much-needed food-trip, get big savings with ShopeePay ₱1 Deals. Redeem your discounts by paying with ShopeePay at partner merchants such as Potato Corner, Bonchon, Papa John’s, Wendy’s, Shawarma Shack, Dunkin Donuts, Moonleaf, and Go! Salads.

If you’re going on a getaway this New Year, you can also book hotels with ShopeePay. Get 30% cashback on all your hotel bookings, including EstacioUno Boracay, Sea Wind Resort Boracay, White House Beach Resort Boracay, Mithi Resort and Spa Bohol, and White Breeze Palawan.

Get a chance to win extra cash for your shopping sprees with ShopeePay as well. Send at least ₱1 to any ShopeePay user for a chance to win ₱100,000, or send money to a new ShopeePay user for a chance to win ₱50 each. Plus, you can also get up to ₱25 cashback on your InstaPay fee when you cash in with ShopeePay.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

MetroMart brings holiday happiness with the ₱1 Million Christmas Prizes

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Get a chance to win 1 year of FREE groceries, and more

The holiday spirit is now a million times more merry and bright with the MetroMart ₱1 Million Christmas Prizes. Over a million pesos worth of groceries, gadgets, and store credits can be won by customers through online grocery orders from supermarkets and specialty stores on MetroMart.

Customers must enter the promo code “MMRAFFLE” upon checkout to join the e-raffle. Every completed order with the minimum spend requirement from all specialty stores and supermarkets on the MetroMart app and website entitles a customer to get e-raffle entries. You can avail 1 e-raffle entry for a minimum purchase of ₱2,500. Get 3 e-raffle entries for a minimum purchase of ₱4,000, and 5 e-raffle entries for a minimum purchase of ₱6,000.

The Minor Prizes include 50 MetroMart store credits worth ₱2,000 each, 1 Black and Decker Cordless Vacuum worth ₱9,835 from True Value, 20 Holiday Gift Packs worth ₱1,000 each from Fly Ace Corporation, 5 Holiday Grocery Packs worth ₱5,000 each from P&G, 3 winners of Samsung Galaxy S21+, 2 winners of Apple Macbook Air with M1 chip, and 5 winners of iPhone12 Pro.

The Major Prizes include 5 MetroMart store credits worth ₱25,000 each, 3 MetroMart store credits worth ₱50,000 each, and 1 grand prize winner of ₱100,000 worth of MetroMart store credits. These are equivalent to 3 months, 6 months and 1 year worth of groceries, respectively.

The MetroMart ₱1 Million Christmas Prizes runs from December 10, 2021 until January 15, 2022. There will be four weekly e-raffle draws of the minor prizes every Wednesday afternoon on December 22 and 29, January 5 and 12. The raffle for major prizes will be on January 17, 2022.

New to MetroMart? Get a ₱200 discount for a minimum order of ₱2,000. Use the promo code “MM1MPRIZES” on the MetroMart app or website upon checkout. This is applicable for new customers from December 13, 2021 until January 15, 2022, one-time use only.

MetroMart Philippines is the #1 on-demand online delivery service in the Philippines. Customers can get groceries, pet food, electronics, cosmetics, medicine, and so much more. Order online at https://www.metromart.com or download the app on iOs or Android.

For more updates on MetroMart, visit https://www.metromart.com/ and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @MetroMartPH. Like and follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/MetroMartPH. Order groceries online through the website at https://www.metromart.com/welcome/shops or download the mobile app for iOs or Android at https://bit.ly/2SLCdJ2.

‘Bridgerton’ Gifts Fans with News of its Return on March 25

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Netflix and Shondaland celebrated the anniversary of the hit series premiere by unwrapping the news that Bridgerton returns for a second season on March 25, 2022. On Christmas Day 2020, audiences were captivated and swept off their feet when introduced to the Bridgerton family and the toils of the ton. In keeping with the tradition of the novels, season two tells the romance story of Lord Anthony Bridgerton's quest for love. Bridgerton comes to Netflix from Shondaland and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, and Chris Van Dusen. Van Dusen also serves as creator and showrunner.

About Bridgerton

From Shondaland and Creator Chris Van Dusen, the second season of Bridgerton follows Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the eldest Bridgerton sibling and Viscount, as he sets out to find a suitable wife. Driven by his duty to uphold the family name, Anthony’s search for a debutante who meets his impossible standards seems ill-fated until Kate (Simone Ashley) and her younger sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran) Sharma arrive from India. When Anthony begins to court Edwina, Kate discovers the true nature of his intentions — a true love match is not high on his priority list — and decides to do everything in her power to stop the union. But in doing so, Kate and Anthony’s verbal sparring matches only bring them closer together, complicating matters on both sides. Across Grosvenor Square, the Featheringtons must welcome the newest heir to their estate while Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) continues to navigate the ton whilst keeping her deepest secret from the people closest to her. 

Bridgerton is a romantic, scandalous, and clever series that celebrates the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all. The series also stars Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs. Varley), Harriet Cains (Philipa Featherington), Bessie Carter (Prudence Featherington), Shelley Conn (Mary Sharma), Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington), Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne Basset), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich), Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Calam Lynch (Theo Sharpe), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Will Tilston (Gregory Bridgerton), Polly Walker (Portia Featherington), Rupert Young (Jack), and Julie Andrews as the voice of  Lady Whistledown. The series is inspired by Julia Quinn’s novels. 

Netflix.com/Bridgerton

For more information on Bridgerton visit:

Media.netflix.com

On Social: @bridgertonnetflix on Instagram, @bridgerton on Twitter

Globe strengthens cyber education campaign; calls on customers to stay vigilant in protecting their data

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Globe is strengthening its cyber education campaign to protect customers from cybercrimes amid the recent incidents that led to distress and confusion among customers. The digital solutions platform highlighted the need for consumers to stay vigilant and safeguard their personal information by outsmarting scammers.

Through its #makeITsafePH campaign, Globe continuously rolls out the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), containing materials on cybersecurity and safety for consumers and businesses across various platforms, including YouTube. DTP modules include guides for customers on ways to protect their online accounts from hackers who may have malicious intentions and keep their information safe.

“As a company, we recognize that we have a responsibility to arm our customers with tools and knowledge that can protect them from various threats online. Through our Digital Thumbprint Program, we want the public to know what actions they can take to keep themselves safe, especially now when we are expected to stay connected at all times” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Globe recommends using two-factor (2FA) authentication or application authenticators like Google authenticator for a stronger line of protection on customers’ accounts. The 2FA works by adding a layer of security to online accounts as it requires additional login credentials to gain access.

In addition, Globe’s DTP modules remind users that it would be best to refrain from using private information as passwords, as these are often the most vulnerable for hacking.

As much as possible, it is also discouraged to open accounts from a public computer or internet café, which is often full of malware and viruses. This can likely expose your personal information and make them vulnerable to cybercriminals, as well as unwanted content.

When using public computers, Globe urged consumers to erase their tracks by deleting browsing history and cookies, use private browsing where possible, watch for “over the shoulder” snoops when entering passwords, and avoid downloading personal files and email attachments. Importantly, users should also remember to log out of their accounts after their session.

As part of its education campaign, Globe conducts online workshops through the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), which teaches students, teachers, and parents about online safety and security, online etiquette and responsibility, and digital empowerment.

So far, DTP has reached over 1.9Mn+ students and 175k+ teachers across 4k+ schools nationwide. The program has also been integrated into the values formation subject of the K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education.

The program is available as eModules for on-demand consumption via Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/GlobeCSR and the Globe eLibrary https://globeelibrary.ph.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. It is committed to upholding the United Nations Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

12.12 double day sales projected at PHP 15-B across multiple shopping platforms — LOCAD

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·        LOCAD, a cloud logistics platform and e-commerce integrator, estimates PHP 15 billion in sales this 12.12 across major shopping platforms.

·        Strong e-commerce adoption and higher spending due to the holidays continue to drive growth in online shopping.

The 12.12 mega sale this year is estimated to have made PHP 15 billion in total sales across major online shopping platforms, according to multi-channel e-commerce integrator and cloud logistics platform LOCAD.

This represents an uptick of more than 10 times the average daily e-commerce sales and is seen to be driven by strong e-commerce adoption and higher spending during the holidays.

Running the numbers

“Our estimate is that 12.12 sales have reached 298 million dollars or 15 billion pesos in single-day sales volume across all the sales channels online. This is massive – and a testament to the continued dynamism of the Philippine e-commerce market,” according to Constantin Robertz, CEO of LOCAD, an end-to-end fulfillment provider that integrates with top e-commerce platforms.

12.12 total sales are estimated at PHP 15 billion driven by strong e-commerce adoption and higher spending due to the holidays, according to multi-channel e-commerce integrator and cloud logistics platform LOCAD.

This computation sets the 2021 Q4 GMV of e-commerce at USD 4 billion or PHP 200 billion. With the higher consumer spending during this holiday season, this figure aligns with the e-Conomy SEA 2021 data of Google, Temasek, and Bain wherein e-commerce GMV for 2021 is reported at USD 12 billion.

The continued rise of e-commerce

Online shopping continues to rise in the country with e-commerce growing by 128% — the highest amongst all internet economy sectors in the Philippines.

Based on a report by Facebook and Bain, Filipinos are posting high customer satisfaction ratings with net promoter scores jumping from 26% last year to 64% this year. However, e-commerce brands should not be complacent as poor delivery experiences and difficult return processes are among the top complaints of detractors.

To combat this, partnering with end-to-end fulfillment solution providers such as LOCAD would help e-commerce brands deliver a great customer experience.

According to Robertz, “We visited our warehouses in the LOCAD network on December 12, and they were all very busy, bustling throughout the night. The morning after, LOCAD was able to fulfill 90% of the orders of 12.12 – most were dispatched already to the last-mile delivery providers.”

Through LOCAD’s multi-channel e-commerce integration, on-demand warehousing, and automated picking, packing, and shipping, e-commerce brands can be at peak performance whether it’s a normal day or during hectic seasons such as 12.12.

About LOCAD

LOCAD empowers the business growth of brands and merchants in the e-commerce landscape with an international fulfillment network and flexible on-demand warehousing and shipping. The company strengthens brands’ distribution with a scalable and distributed supply chain network, run on a fully digital and integrated platform with real-time visibility of order and inventory movements.

For more information on the aggregated data from shopping platforms by LOCAD, visit: https://golocad.com/blog/1212-estimated-to-have-made-php-15-billion-in-total-sales-across-major-shopping-platforms

For further information, please visit: https://golocad.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram.

 

Philippine digital revolution opens opportunities for more hyperscalers

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With a fast-growing digital economy and strong digital roadmap, the Philippines proves to be an ideal investment destination for global hyperscalers or the massive international companies that dominate the cloud service sector.

Being one of the early adopters of 5G in the Asia Pacific region and tagged as a second ‘overperformer’ by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in terms of readiness for frontier technology use, the country has the potential to become a valuable cloud region that could provide vast opportunities to global tech giants.

The Philippines boasts of an enticing demographic having the second-largest and one of the youngest population in Southeast Asia. It also has a literacy rate of 91.6 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), that is among the highest in the world.

A report from We Are Social also showed that the country has unparalleled mobile penetration of 152.4 mobile connections and 67 percent internet penetration. Last year, the country also marked more than 4.2 million additional internet users which, overall, spend an average of 10.5 hours online, the longest time spent globally.

Likewise, the said report found that businesses have also been adaptive to the digital transformation with 80 percent e-commerce adoption. Market and consumer data provider Statista also estimated that e-commerce users will rise to 55.8 million users by 2025.

In this regard, PLDT—the largest fully integrated telecommunications company in the Philippines—has been ramping up its network and data center infrastructure to continuously increase the country’s attractiveness to more hyperscalers. To date, PLDT is already servicing a number of international content and cloud service providers by hosting their colocation, cloud, and connectivity requirements in its VITRO Data Center network.

The group – through its ICT arm ePLDT - currently owns a network of 10 globally certified VITRO data center facilities strategically located across the country, with a total capacity of 80MW and over 9,000 racks. Since network is as essential as data center reliability, all VITRO data center facilities are carrier-neutral, allowing other telcos both foreign and local to provide network connections based on customer preference and resiliency considerations.

“We believe that the Philippines has become an ideal data center location for global hyperscalers and that it is an emerging regional hub in Asia, which is why we at PLDT are continuously strengthening our infrastructure and network capabilities to support the hyperscale requirements of international tech giants,” said Jojo Gendrano, FVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

The company has been rolling out initiatives to boost its network infrastructure, such as the completion of Jupiter Cable system that is expected to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2022. This will expand PLDT’s existing international bandwidth capacity of 16 Terabit/s with an additional 39.2 terabits. Its wireless subsidiary Smart, meanwhile, has already introduced its 5G services that provide faster data, less latency, and less interference for better efficiency.

“With our robust domestic and international network infrastructure in place and data centers at par with the technologically developed countries, PLDT serves as the gateway to bridge more global cloud service providers and content providers to the Philippines, further making it the new hyperscaler destination,” Gendrano noted.

In support of such thrust, PLDT’s B2B arm PLDT Enterprise launched a campaign that highlights the country’s capabilities as an emerging market suited for international technological companies on the lookout for expansion amid the fast-growing demand for digital services.

This video captures why the Philippines has emerged as the next important destination for hyperscalers. Check out PLDT Enterprise’s campaign video here: https://youtu.be/8XDziWohoJE

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. 

LG's indoor gardening appliance presents modern concept for greener, healthier homelife

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Featuring Advanced Technologies Perfected Over Many Years of Home Appliance Experience, Smart Garden Lets Consumers Grow Their Own Greens All Year-Round

LG Electronics’ (LG) updated concept of green living will be unveiled at CES 2022 with its modern freestanding indoor gardening appliance, LG tiiun.1 Tiiun, which means “to sprout” in Korean, is an apt name for LG’s newest appliance that enables even the most novice of gardeners to cultivate vegetables, herbs and even flowers in the comfort of their own homes, all year long.2 Stylish and remarkably simple to use, LG’s latest lifestyle innovation offers all the benefits of a full-featured garden without the worries of pests or unfavorable climate.

Designed as a completely self-contained unit, LG tiiun features two shelves that can each hold up to six all-in-one seed packages along with three different kinds of seed kits. With each seed package containing 10 holes for seed germination, users can grow a variety of greens simultaneously for home-grown goodness in only four to eight weeks, faster with less mess thanks to the magic of technology and LG’s advanced know-how.

A CES 2022 Innovation Award winner, LG tiiun was recognized for its innovative technology and system leverages LG’s technological expertise across multiple home appliance categories to deliver reliable results and an effortless, largely automated, plant cultivation process, employing various technologies from decades of expertise honed from developing advanced refrigerators, water purifiers and ventilation systems.

Utilizing LG’s renowned Inverter Compressor, the Flexible Weather Control System precisely adjusts tiiun’s internal temperature to create the optimal conditions for organic growth. As well as automatically regulating temperature and light to mimic the natural cycle of the day, LG’s smart gardening system delivers water eight times every 24 hours while its Auto Ebb & Watering System circulates the ideal amount of moisture to help transform the seeds into healthy greens and vibrant flowers.

The internal structure of LG tiiun is designed to increase photosynthesis efficiency, amplifying the effect of the internal LED light source to speed up the growing process. The transparent door lets users watch their plants grow while still providing an airtight seal to maintain a consistent internal temperature and keep pesky insects out. With LG’s mobile ThinQ™ app, users can monitor the entire germination process from afar, check or change settings and receive notifications when the water tank needs refilling.

A convenient solution for greener, healthier living at home, LG tiiun also provides value through its simple yet elegant design. Harmonizing beautifully with any style of interior décor, tiiun is showcased in two sophisticated and soothing colors: Nature Beige and Nature Green.

“LG tiiun is a practical and convenient solution for busy consumers who want to enjoy a greener, healthier lifestyle at home,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “A stylish addition to one’s home or apartment, our smart gardening system makes growing herbs, leafy greens and flowers fun and simple, even for those of us with zero gardening experience.”

LG tiiun and LG tiiun mini will be on virtual display in LG’s digital exhibition booth during CES 2022 starting January 5. See LG tiiun and other innovative home appliances in LG Home.

PayMaya pays it forward to mental health frontliners

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PayMaya pays it forward to the National Center for Mental Health by giving out 100 Christmas food baskets to NCMH Crisis Hotline responders and ER and Psychiatric Acute Unit staff.

Digital financial services leader PayMaya recently paid it forward to the frontlines of the National Center for Mental Health. The company distributed 100 Christmas food baskets to the NCMH Crisis Hotline responders and the Emergency Room and Psychiatric Acute Unit staff.

"Promoting mental health is important, especially among our young people during this pandemic. We are paying it forward to our mental health frontliners who have been helping fight this silent battle. We admire them for bravely dedicating their time and effort to help those suffering from mental health issues," said Nick Wilwayco, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at PayMaya.

According to NCMH, the average volume of monthly calls they received during the pandemic nearly quadrupled versus pre-pandemic numbers. PayMaya's gift to NCMH is part of PayMaya's initiative under the MVP Group's Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko campaign, which aims to keep the Christmas spirit alive amid the pandemic.

Early this year, NCMH was also a beneficiary of the PayMaya It Forward Flash Donation Drive for COVID-19 frontliners.

5 Tips for Businesses to Achieve a Plastic Pollution-Free Christmas

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Plastic pollution in the Philippines has already reached an alarming rate and continues to be one of the top environmental challenges for the country and the rest of the globe.

According to a report released by WWF-Philippines in 2020, Filipinos consume a yearly average of 20kg of plastics, from which 15.43kg/cap/year becomes waste. Insufficient recycling capacities for high value recyclables (i.e. PET, PP, HDPE) and the high volume of low value plastics (including sachets) are some factors that affect the country’s low plastic recycling rate, at 9%. The report further estimates that the Philippines leaks about 35% of plastic wastes into the environment.

With the economy slowly opening, WWF-Philippines encourages businesses to integrate plastic pollution-free practices to fight plastic pollution. Here are some useful tips for business owners on how they can participate in creating a plastic pollution-free Christmas this 2021.

Take Accountability

Businesses should acknowledge that they are accountable to the plastic pollution problem. We want businesses to assume full responsibility for products they bring to the market. It is with accepting this that taking actions comes in from reduction goal setting, adopting circular solutions, and contributing in stopping plastic waste leakage.

Provide plastic-free options to consumers

We encourage businesses to offer plastic-free options to consumers through “bring your own” scheme and having the option to refuse unnecessary plastic items. Some major fast food restaurants are already doing this and we encourage other businesses to do so. We wish that businesses be at the forefront to consumers about reducing plastic consumption.

Segregate and divert recyclable wastes

For necessary plastics, we wish businesses to segregate and divert through partnering with recyclers and social enterprises. It can sometimes get complicated with the plastic types but it is important to start using the numbers in the plastic products to help facilitate its recycling. You can partner with a local junk shop to help identify items that they can buy. There are also a number of social enterprises like Trash Panda, Plastics by Manila Automat, Plastic Flamingo, and Green Antz, among others that offer collection partnerships. You can also work with your city/ municipality to work on models to improve the current waste management system.

Share best practices and collaborate with other businesses

Collaboration is important in working towards sustainability. It is with conversing with other businesses that are doing their fair share in reducing plastic pollution that we learn which to adopt and what to improve on in our operations. We wish businesses to work together within the industry and with other industries so we all learn how to improve our current system.

Support the EPR Scheme in the Philippines

WWF-Philippines is pushing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy approach introduced in the 1990s for accelerating the transition to sustainable waste management and a circular economy. We wish businesses to take responsibility and push for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in the country. 

EPR relies on two factors - improvement of product design and recyclability and improvement of waste management systems - and businesses here in the Philippines have stepped up to the challenge, taking sustainability seriously, by working on both upstream and downstream measures to address the plastic crisis.

More and more businesses worldwide have gotten on board with EPR, and several businesses in the Philippines have also adopted the policy by working on both upstream and downstream measures to address the plastic crisis. With enough support, EPR can be a solid foundation for other businesses and even the government to adopt. It is currently gaining traction among legislators in Congress with House Bill 9147 or The Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act and Senate Bill 2425 or the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2021 which both seek to enact mandatory EPR.

As we enter the holiday season, we wish for businesses to take part in our journey towards a vision of no plastics in nature by 2030.

 

 

About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in nearly 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

WWF-Philippines has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997 and implements various conservation projects to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. WWF-Philippines works to improve Filipino lives by crafting solutions to climate change, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and conserving the country’s richest marine and land habitats.

To learn more about WWF-Philippines and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), please visit www.wwf.org.ph.